Comparison between Natural Turf and Artificial Turf on Agility Performance of Rugby Union Players

Kim Wai Raymond  Sum; Siu Ming  Choi; Fung Lin Elean  Leung

doi:10.4236/ape.2015.54032

Siu Ming Choi¹, Kim Wai Raymond Sum¹, Fung Lin Elean Leung²

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference in agility performance with natural turf (NT) and artificial turf (AT) surface in rugby union players on the repeated sprint, cut and turn movements and if any differences exist between holding the ball or not in relation to agility performance. Twelve tertiary rugby union players (mean ± SD age, 21.2 ± 2.0 years) participated in the study. Players underwent measurements of anthropometry (height, body mass). Running tests investigated were 40-meter sprinting, change of direction, and “L” run, with all tests for agility measured in two sets with ball and without ball respectively. Results indicated that subjects showed significantly better overall agility performance (P < 0.05) in sprinting (NT: 6.40 ± 0.26 seconds, AT: 6.24 ± 0.26 seconds) and turning (NT: 6.40 ± 0.44 seconds, AT: 5.96 ± 0.38 seconds) on AT than NT. Although the time counted of cutting on AT was faster than on NT (NT: 13.85 ± 0.61 seconds, AT: 13.55 ± 0.68 seconds), the result was not significant. The findings also indicated that running with the ball for 40 meters would not slow the players down as there was a counter effect on the ground surface and ball carrying, while the turning movement was affected by both effects.

Keywords: Natural Turf, Artificial Turf, Agility Performance, Rugby Union Players

Cite this paper: Choi, S. M., Sum, K. W. R. and Leung, F. L. E.(2015) Comparison between Natural Turf and Artificial Turf on Agility Performance of Rugby Union Players. Advances in Physical Education, 5, 273-281. doi: 10.4236/ape.2015.54032.

References

[1] Felipe, J. L., Gallardo, L., Burillo, P., & Gallardo, A. (2013). A Qualitative Vision Artificial Turf Football Fields: Elite Players and Coaches.South African Journal for Research in Sport, Physical Education and Recreation, 35, 105-120.

[2] Fuller, C. W., Clarke, L., & Molloy, M. G. (2010). Risk of Injury Associated with Rugby Union Played on Artificial Turf. Journal of sports sciences, 28, 563-570. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02640411003629681

[3] Gabbett, T. J., Kelly, J. N., & Sheppard, J. M. (2008). Speed, Change of Direction Speed, and Reactive Agility of Rugby League Players. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 22, 174-181. http://dx.doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e31815ef700

[4] Gains, G. L., Swedenhjelm, A. N., Mayhew, J. L., Bird, H. M., & Houser, J. J. (2010). Comparison of Speed and Agility Performance of College Football Players on Field Turf and Natural Grass. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 24, 2613-2617. http://dx.doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181eccdf8

[5] Green, B., Blake, C., & Caulfield, B. (2009). Field Testing to Predict Performance in Rugby Union Players. ISBS-Conference Proceedings Archive, 1, No. 1.

[6] Hughes, M. G., Birdsey, L., Meyers, R., Newcombe, D., Oliver, J. L., Smith, P. M., & Kerwin, D. G. (2013). Effects of Playing Surface on Physiological Responses and Performance Variables in a Controlled Football Simulation. Journal of Sports Sciences, 31, 878-886. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2012.757340

[7] Jarvis, S., Sullivan, L. O., Davies, B., Wiltshire, H., & Baker, J. S. (2009). Interrelationships between Measured Running Intensities and Agility Performance in Subelite Rugby Union Players. Research in Sports Medicine, 17, 217-230. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15438620903323892

[8] Meir, R. A., Holding, R., Hetherington, J., & Rolfe, M. I. (2013). Impact of Sport Specific and Generic Visual Stimulus on a Reactive Agility Test while Carrying a Rugby Ball. Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning, 21, 45.

[9] Müller, C., Sterzing, T., Lange, J., & Milani, T. L. (2010). Comprehensive Evaluation of Player-Surface Interaction on Artificial Soccer Turf. Sports Biomechanics, 9, 193-205. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2010.511679

[10] Nédélec, M., McCall, A., Carling, C., Le Gall, F., Berthoin, S., & Dupont, G. (2013). Physical Performance and Subjective Ratings after a Soccer-Specific Exercise Simulation: Comparison of Natural Grass versus Artificial Turf. Journal of Sports Sciences, 31, 529-536. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2012.738923

[11] Pérez Soriano, P., LlanaBelloch, S., CortellTormo, J. M., & Pérez Turpin, J. A. (2009). Biomechanical Factors to Be Taken into Account to Prevent Injuries and Improve Sporting Performance on Artificial Turf.

[12] Sheppard, J. M., & Young, W. B. (2006). Agility Literature Review: Classifications, Training and Testing. Journal of Sports Science, 24, 919-932. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02640410500457109

[13] Walsh, M., Young, B., Hill, B., Kittredge, K., & Horn, T. (2007). The Effect of Ball-Carrying Technique and Experience on Sprinting in Rugby Union. Journal of Sports Sciences, 25, 185-192. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02640410600630571

[14] Yasuda, T., Ogasawara, R., Sakamaki, M., Ozaki, H., Sato, Y., & Abe, T. (2011). Combined Effects of Low-Intensity Blood Flow Restriction Training and High-Intensity Resistance Training on Muscle Strength and Size. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 111, 2525-2533. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00421-011-1873-8

[15] Zanetti, E. M., Bignardi, C., Franceschini, G., & Audenino, A. L. (2013). Amateur Football Pitches: Mechanical Properties of the Natural Ground and of Different Artificial Turf Infills and Their Biomechanical Implications. Journal of Sports Sciences, 31, 767-778. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2012.750005